If you want to explore different cultures while developing a wide range of valuable skills and knowledge across disciplines, you might consider pursuing a masters in cultural studies.
Cultural studies masters programs cover a variety of concentrations through interdisciplinary study, challenging you to think critically about diverse topics.
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Graduates of cultural studies programs can develop versatile, marketable skills that can help them pursue various career paths or continue their education at the doctoral level.
Online Masters in Cultural Studies Programs
Cultural studies master’s programs provide students with a foundation of cultural theory that allows them to understand various societies and ethnic groups through their culture.
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You can explore how societies are shaped by culture, examining the past and present through sociology, anthropology, history, literature, and art, among other areas of study. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to develop many valuable skills. These skills include:
- Analytical thinking
- Deductive reasoning
- Critical thinking
- Organization
- Editorial skills
- Research skills
- Communication
- Interviewing
Many programs offer concentrations, allowing you to customize your program based on your specific area of interest. Concentrations that may be offered as part of a cultural studies masters program include:
- Gender studies
- Ethnic studies
- Global and transnational studies
- Early modern British studies
Your coursework may cover topics like feminism and literature, field research methods, transnational studies, and race, gender, and empire.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of most cultural studies masters programs, you’ll also take courses in areas including economics, philosophy, communications, and political science. A masters degree in cultural studies prepares graduates for careers in diverse fields, such as:
- Education
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Nonprofit work
- Management
Many graduates pursue opportunities in history and anthropology, including as curators of museums and anthropologists.
Cultural Studies Careers & Salaries
Earning your masters degree in cultural studies can help you develop valuable skills that you can use to develop a career in numerous fields and industries.
Many graduates pursue opportunities in education, working at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary level as teachers, administrators, and advisors. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below are the median salaries of potential careers related to cultural studies.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Sociologists | $92,910 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Historians | $63,940 |
| Editors | $63,350 |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists | $61,910 |
| Curators | $60,110 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $49,720 |
Some cultural studies professionals use their communication, organization, and social skills to pursue opportunities in management, such as human resources managers and diversity and inclusion managers. Opportunities can also be found in the nonprofit and private sectors, with some graduates pursuing careers in marketing and publishing.
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Graduates interested in studying people and preserving history can pursue opportunities as curators, historians, anthropologists, and sociologists.
MA in Cultural Studies Curriculum & Courses
The courses included in cultural studies masters programs will vary by school, but listed below are some common courses you may find as part of a cultural studies curriculum:
- Introduction to Cultural Studies: Students in this course are introduced to cultural studies and analyze questions that have developed the field.
- Transnational Studies: This course introduces you to using transnational studies to examine issues of gender, race, nation, sexuality, and class.
- Introduction to Digital Humanities: Students in this course are introduced to skills in digital research and the impact of technology through the lens of the humanities.
- Field Research Methods in Cultural Studies: In this course, you’re introduced to various field research methods, including interviewing, life histories, and observation.
- Introduction to Media Studies: This course covers the theories and perspectives used to study media, communication, and culture in media studies.
- Race, Gender, and Empire: This course explores the history of race and gender globally, examining connecting imperial and colonial threads throughout history.
- The Time and Space of Cultural Studies: This course focuses on writers that have shaped cultural studies, including ethnic studies, post-colonialism, and geography.
- Feminism and Literature: In this course, you’ll study literature that is engaged with sex, gender, and sexuality, and you’ll study various feminist theories in a literary context.
- Applied Cultural Research: This course uses case studies and research methods to examine cultural change and its effect on various disadvantaged groups.
- Psychoanalysis, Race, and Sexuality: Students in this course will study how psychoanalysis has changed over time to include race and gender.
Many cultural studies master’s programs offer core courses as a requirement for all students, with a selection of other courses based on your concentration or specialization.
Admissions Requirements
While the admissions requirements will vary by program, listed below are some common requirements you can expect as you apply to masters programs in cultural studies:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Letter of intent including your educational and professional goals
- Resume outlining your educational and professional experience
- Letters of recommendation from recent employers or professors
- GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)
In addition to the above criteria, programs typically require a copy of your official transcripts.
Cultural Studies Graduate Programs Accreditation
As you look into schools that offer a Master of Cultural Studies program, one factor to consider is the school’s accreditation status.
Schools that are accredited have their education programs independently verified to ensure they meet agreed-upon educational standards. Of these accreditations, regional accreditation is the most widely accepted.
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If you are considering pursuing a PhD down the road, many schools will only accept a masters degree from a regionally accredited school. Many employers also prefer or require candidates to have accredited credentials.
To learn more about regional accreditation, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As you look into cultural studies master’s programs, you can also explore various financial assistance opportunities that may help with the cost of your program.
If you are currently employed, you can see if assistance is provided by your employer—from potential tuition reimbursement programs to reduced tuition opportunities with certain schools. You can also explore scholarship opportunities offered through your prospective schools as well as through public and private institutions.
Some cultural studies programs may also offer opportunities for paid research assistants, allowing select graduate students to work, develop their skills, and help pay for their program. You can also explore financial aid opportunities from the government.
You can visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more about federal aid options and eligibility requirements.
What Is a Cultural Studies Masters Degree?
A cultural studies masters degree is a graduate program that uses interdisciplinary study to examine the effect of culture on society. This study includes examining various people and their beliefs, education, politics, entertainment, sociology, and more.
In this program, you can develop a range of versatile skill sets, including skills in research, critical and analytical thinking, organization, writing, and communication. A Master of Cultural Studies program can help prepare students to pursue a variety of careers or to continue on to the rigors of a PhD program.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Cultural Studies?
A masters degree in cultural studies can allow you to expand your career opportunities while gaining communication, organization, and critical thinking skills that you can use in numerous career paths.
While many graduates go on to pursue their PhD in Cultural Studies or related fields, many also seek employment after getting their masters. Graduates often find employment in education, museum work, nonprofit organizations, human resources, marketing, and publishing.
Many graduates use the writing and research skills honed in the program to pursue opportunities as writers and editors. Others work as social science researchers or assistants.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters in Cultural Studies Online?
The length of time needed to complete your cultural studies degree will depend on several factors, including your enrollment schedule and the program requirements.
For a 36 credit hour program that doesn’t require a thesis, you may be able to complete it in 1 year of full-time enrollment, including summer courses. If you are enrolled part-time, or your program requires a thesis, it can take longer to earn your masters degree in cultural studies. Many masters programs can be finished in 1 to 2 years with full-time study.
Is a Masters in Cultural Studies Worth It?
Yes, a masters in cultural studies is worth it for many students. The skills and knowledge gained in this program can expand your educational and professional opportunities.
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Graduates with a masters degree in cultural studies have careers in a wide range of industries and fields, and many go on to pursue doctoral studies. Many careers related to cultural studies are also growing. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% job growth for postsecondary teachers and 11% job growth for social science research assistants over the next ten years, which is much faster average.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Cultural Studies Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Adams State University offers an MA in Cultural Resource Management program online. Potential courses include Technology and Technique, Archaeological Theory, Archaeology Field School, and Topics in World History. A thesis is also required.
The program was designed to provide qualification to apply for membership to the Register of Professional Archaeologists. Courses typically follow a semester schedule with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.
Adams State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Biola University offers an MA in Intercultural Studies program online or in a hybrid format. Specializations include Community Development, Intercultural Education, Intercultural Studies, Missiology, and Peace and Conflict Transformation. Courses are typically offered in 7 week sessions or in full semesters. The program may be completed in 18 months of full-time attendance.
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Columbia International University offers an MA in Intercultural Studies program online. The program typically teaches topics such as mission service, urban ministry, refugee resettlement, and government service. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Courses are typically 8 weeks long and are often taught in an asynchronous format. The program may be completed in just 10 months.
Columbia International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern University offers an online program for an MA in Theological and Cultural Anthropology. Potential courses include Integrated Anthropological Theory, Theology of Culture, Epistemological Insights, and Faith-Based Ethnographic Methods. Courses are typically 7 weeks long, and there are usually start dates in August and January. The program may be completed in 12 months of full-time attendance.
Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Johns Hopkins University offers an MA in Cultural Heritage Management program online, but with a 2 week on-site residency. Potential courses include Studies in World Heritage and Cultural Heritage Management. Courses are typically 15 weeks long and are offered in fall, spring, and summer terms. The program requires the completion of 10 courses, which may be accomplished in 16 months.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Kent State University offers an online program for a Master of Education in Cultural Foundations. Potential courses include Multicultural Theories and Scholarship, Anthropology and Education, Seminar in Cultural Foundations, and Globalization in Education.
The completion of 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours is required, with 21 hours offered as electives. Courses usually follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minnesota State University–Mankato offers an MS in Ethnic and Multi-Cultural Studies. Some courses are offered online, while others take place on the Mankato campus. Potential courses include Applied Cultural Research, Ethnic Research Methods, and Spatial Statistics.
The program requires the completion of 33 credit hours. Courses typically follow a regular semester schedule during the fall and spring, and there are usually 2 sessions during the summer.
Minnesota State University – Mankato is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Trinity International University offers an MA in Intercultural Studies program online. Potential courses include Biblical Theology and Interpretation, Theology of Mission and Evangelism, History of the Expansion of Christianity, and Anthropology for Ministry.
The program requires the completion of 36 hours, including 6 hours of electives, and a capstone project. Courses typically follow a semester schedule and are commonly offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
Trinity International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maryland offers an online program for an MPS in Cultural and Heritage Resource Management. Potential courses include Community Engagement and Consultation, International Heritage Management, and Applied Archaeological Theory. The completion of 36 credit hours, including an internship and thesis, is required. Classes are typically taught in quarters with several start dates throughout the year.
The University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers an interdisciplinary MA in Foreign Languages, Cultures, and Literatures program online. Concentrations include French and Francophone Studies, Hispanic Studies, and Multilingual Studies. Courses are typically taught online but require synchronous virtual attendance in the afternoons or evenings using software provided by the university.
Virginia Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Masters in Cultural Studies Online
Earning your masters in cultural studies can help you develop valuable skills and knowledge across a wide range of subjects, including literature, art, and social science. You can also learn to explore a society’s culture through earning a liberal arts degree online or on campus.
Some pursue a cultural studies masters to expand their employment opportunities, while others aim to prepare for doctoral studies. You can explore career opportunities in education, marketing, publishing, business, research, and nonprofit work, among others.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your educational journey, you can start looking into accredited schools that offer cultural studies master’s programs online.
